Tiverton maintenance foreman is in hot water again

Saturday

Jan 4, 2014 at 12:01 AMJan 4, 2014 at 4:04 AM

Bob Martin, the town’s maintenance foreman, was suspended without pay for a third time as the town investigates reports that he did private work on town time. The matter remains under investigation, according to Amy Kempe, the public information officer for Attorney General Peter Kilmartin.

Kevin P. O'Connor

Bob Martin, the town’s maintenance foreman, was suspended without pay for a third time as the town investigates reports that he did private work on town time.

The matter remains under investigation, according to Amy Kempe, the public information officer for Attorney General Peter Kilmartin.

Martin was suspended on Nov. 1 after the council saw a television report that alleged Martin was doing work on rental property he owns in town during hours when he was expected to be working for the town.

Council President Edward Roderick on Friday confirmed the continuing suspension, but said the council voted to seal the minutes of its special meeting on Monday, held to discuss the matter in executive session.

By law, the council can seal a vote if it involves an ongoing personnel issue, negotiations for a land purchase or a discussion on strategy for a lawsuit.

Town Solicitor Andrew Teitz said he could not discuss the decisions made at the meeting, but noted that a suspension can run for no more than 30 days unless the council renews it. Martin’s suspension was scheduled to expire on Jan. 1, Teitz said.

The Rhode Island State Police began an investigation into the matter at the request of Tiverton police. Tiverton police have not yet received a report from the state police, department officials say. Officials with the state police did not return calls on Friday.